The Nitty Gritty – 25+ Pragmatic Tips for Independent Learning and University Success

Part 2 of 3 of a presentation at the University English Centres of Australia (UECA) PD Fest, at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Insearch, May 12, 2018

After introductions, context, and explanation of ‘Elvis Moments’, the first part examines tips from the library. Starting out with the Dewey decimal system, moving on to file naming conventions, textbook navigation, internet research, research databases, and lastly academic articles.

The second part then looks at the wider university and the genius of Mr Miyagi, the iconic character from the 80’s Karate Kid Movies, and his practice of killing two birds with one stone. After this old course materials are discussed, then learning management systems (LMS) followed by course software.

The final section of the presentation on Processes & Strategies begins with the 3R’s of referencing, report writing, and research skills, followed in rapid succession by content and language integrated learning (CLIL), visual imagery, multiple intelligences, IQ puzzles, levels & options, and Blooms revised taxonomy.

PS Please forgive the excessive information on the slides, I am breaking a rule that I teach my academic English students of keeping the slides simple in terms of text and images. This is so that the PowerPoint can be a reference for those interested.